August & September...

In August, Serena & Devin continued with their swimming lessons twice a week, but they still do not know how to swim. It's funny how they love playing in the water, but when it comes to mastering a skill in the water, they just did not want to do it. But I think it's still good for them to be exposed to the water (pool or beach) as much as possible so that they're comfortable to be in it. August is such a "take it easy" month for us, we basically just try to stay outdoor & enjoy the summer.

An outdoor treasure we found: Caterpillar on our block.

Caterpillar on the cement sidewalk...trying to get away from us.

Hanging out with playground buddies: Scott & Cyanna. Funny how the boys sat still and the girls just couldn't stop moving around.

A neighbor's dog we see around all the time.

A get-together at our friends, Raina & Elijah's. Our friends David & Kristin, and their little girl Stella were visiting from Holland.

Having fun at my niece's birthday party in NJ. You can see additional photos from this day on my FB page.

September, our church had service in Central Park on the Sunday right before Labor Day. Everyone from church brought food to share, then played softball & soccer afterwards. We even had a face painter and the kids got their faces painted. And we also went to our niece's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Boy, the kids just love that place.

Then, of course September is also Andrew's birthday month. Devin & Serena loves celebrating birthdays. They couldn't wait to sing & blow the candles out for Daddy. They're just too cute!

Elizabeth's birthday party.

Having fun with the Pastors' youngest daughter, Annalise, after the service at Central Park.

A close-up picture of Serena's painted face.

Andrew showing Devin how to grip the bat at the Church softball game.

Devin hanging out with Lincoln, our Pastors' little boy. Lincoln climbed up that tree all by himself. He's a little adventurer & Devin just loves hanging out with him. Both had their face painted like a snake.

Happy Birthday to Daddy!

Church Picnic

A few Saturdays ago was our church picnic at the Prospect Park. One of the guys, Darryn brought his dogs, Roscoe & Bella along whom Devin loved. So we tagged along to the dog pond at the park where Devin watched the dogs played in the water. It was a long day, but we all enjoyed ourselves. On our way home we stopped in Brooklyn Heights to grab dinner & found some good eats. What a terrific day!

Devin at the dog pond-I had to keep reminding him the pond was for dogs only, not little boys. I removed his shoes though so he could at least stick his feet in the water.

After lunch, he fell asleep in the tent that we brought with us. He found a stick for Roscoe that he wouldn't let go-he said it's for the dog pond later. So he fell asleep with it.

Balloon game-object of the game: step on someone else's balloon till it pops-last one standing with an inflated balloon wins. Andrew played, but somehow he popped his own balloon.

Serena's first picnic...

Christmas Party

Last Friday was our church's Christmas party. A lot of people were there for the fellowship & good eats. There was even a live band!

We were stuck in traffic on our way there, what's usually a fifteen minutes ride turned into a forty-five minutes snail-paced crawl. Serena was not happy. She was sobbing so hard in the car, she was catching her breath for half of the time we were at the party. Then she just did not smile for the rest of the night when she is usually a smiley baby. Yes, she was sulking! I've never met a baby that sulks. She is too funny. Meanwhile, Devin enjoyed the live band & meeting Santa. He even looked for him when he went back to church on Sunday.

And special thanks to Pastor Bojan's mom, Voi, who held Serena so I could enjoyed the food while Andrew attended to Devin. It was a big help.

Pastor Bojan giving a short message at the party.

Devin enjoying the live band. After this picture was taken, he crawled all the way up to the front. 

Beautiful girls: Amanda & Serena.

Amanda is a HUGE fan of Devin & Serena.

Picture with Santa.

Serena's Dedication

This past Sunday 10/5 was Serena's dedication. She woke up all smiley as if she knew it was going to be her special day. We got her all dressed up and she looked like a little doll! She just needs more hair!

Serena lying on our bed...

She has chubby cheeks just like her brother!

Sucking her right hand with the help of her left hand...

The "Lion King" pose at her dedication @ church.

Breakfast

It was so nice to meet up for breakfast last Friday with Pastor Andrea & her daughter, Brittany along with Madelina, Sophia & Raina. Pastor Andrea & Brittany were on a Mother/Daughter fun trip visiting NYC, so it was truly accommodating of them to fit us into their schedule. As for myself & Serena, it was just fun getting out of the house & have an early start. Then again, Serena was sleeping the whole time so I guess it was just fun for me, actually sitting down with a bagel & coffee, even if it's just decaf...

Serena is hiding in this picture...

A funny expression on Serena while PA smiles at the camera.

In Brittany's arms, still sleeping...

Picnic

Yesterday was our church picnic at the Prospect Park. Devin ate 1 1/2 burgers (in the span of 3 hours), played different kind of sports, and befriended a bull dog named Funky aka Fatso (she was a fat puppy, we were told) that shares his birthday. We had a tiring but fun filled day. 

Devin contemplating on which way to take the skateboard...

Andrew & our friend Colin gearing up for the balloon game...

Waiting for the game to start...

Playing with Funky aka Fatso & her owner...